The origins of business, any business, are usually remarkably humble. One person starts with one product or service, which (at least) one customer wants, in one room. And then he or she tries to grow.

Seeing photographs of where and how today's global companies started is to appreciate the original simplicity with which they began.

Look where Henry Ford assembled his first automobile (500-pound, two-cylinder Quadricycle) in June 1896 in Detroit:

(http://www.hfha.org/OLD/images/bagley.jpg)

He had to widen the door to get it out of the building for a June 4, 1896 pre-dawn test drive.

 The longevity and size of many industry leaders, considering their origins, makes one admire their ability to adapt over time to changes in customers and competitors. 

Here are more than 400 photographs (and growing) of the 'origins' of may companies and products which have become familiar and used for years.